China on Wednesday lashed out at the United States after the White House confirmed tariffs on some Chinese goods had surged to 245%. Beijing called the move “irrational” and accused Washington of using pressure tactics and intimidation.
The White House defended the hike, saying the tariffs were a response to Beijing’s trade practices. A statement released Tuesday clarified that the measures stemmed from “retaliatory actions” by China.
“The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” read a message from former President Donald Trump, delivered by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump has slapped high tariffs on both allies and rivals, but China has borne the brunt, with new levies reaching 145% on many products. In return, Beijing imposed duties of 125% on American goods.
China Warns of Consequences
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged the U.S. to stop the threats.
“If the U.S. really wants to resolve the issue, it must end extreme pressure and blackmail,” Lin said. “Talk to China with respect and equality.”
He reiterated that “there is no winner in a tariff war” and warned, “China doesn’t want to fight, but it’s not afraid to fight.”
Beijing’s Commerce Ministry noted that tariffs on some Chinese exports had reached 245%, calling the U.S. strategy a “meaningless numbers game.”
The Trump administration initially imposed 20% duties over China’s alleged fentanyl links. That was followed by a 125% tariff over what Washington calls unfair trade practices.
Some tech items like smartphones and laptops, however, received temporary exemptions from the new levies.
China’s Economy Shows Strength
Despite the rising pressure, China reported a 5.4% growth in the first quarter. Analysts said exporters pushed to move goods before the latest tariffs kicked in.
“This growth won’t last,” warned Heron Lim of Moody’s Analytics. “The April hike will hurt China’s exports and investment in Q2.”
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Japan and South Korea Weigh In
Japan’s trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa, in Washington for talks, expressed hope for a “win-win” outcome. He planned to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said his focus is to delay reciprocal tariffs and protect Korean companies from global market shocks.
Business Reactions Begin
Honda announced it would shift production of hybrid Civics to the U.S., though the volume is minimal. “This decision reflects our long-standing policy to build where we sell,” a spokesman said.
Chip stocks in Asia fell after Nvidia projected a $5.5 billion hit from new U.S. licensing rules limiting chip sales to China.
Trump also ordered a probe into critical minerals and rare-earths, possibly signaling more tariffs on smartphones and other high-tech goods.
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